The surface of the earth may look stable, but it's in constant motion, shifted by molten forces below. The shapes of our continents, so familiar to us today, will shift and reform like so much pond scum.Mr. Cantwell had such a rosy view of the miracles of science.For example, scientists estimate that in a mere two million years, the United States, which now looks like this...will look like this.It was a horrifing thought - our once-proud nation... shaped...like a wiener-dog.(Bell rings.)Lights up. Tomorrow, Section 6, of "Our Changing Planet", "Earthquake and Cataclysm - Man's Dalliance with Death". Have a nice day...

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Tokyo earthquake, 1923. Three hundred thousand buildings completely demolished. 140,000 people crushed or burnt to death. One minute, a thriving metropolis. The next minute - bingo, a hellish nightmare of death and devastation. Bodies twisted and broken beyond recognition.(Kevin raises his hand.)Kevin?That kind of thing couldn't happen here, could it?Oh, it couldn't, hmmm? That would be a comforting thought, wouldn't it? But is it accurate? Is it scientific? Hmmm? Who can tell me where the most-devastating earthquake in the last two-hundred years took place, hmmm? 1811, Missouri. One minute, a peaceful plain of small towns and rolling farmland. The next minute - bingo, a hellish nightmare of death and devastation. Bodies twisted and broken beyond recognition.